Rev. Dr. (Bishop) James Wm. Steele

Father James grew-up in a military barracks community, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, began his MOSAIC Journey / Ministry looking to GOD for Spiritual Guidance through a young priest within the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), going on various youth activities, such as ice skating, tobogganing, camp-fire gatherings, and so on. His enthusiasm for outdoor sports led too countless hours playing ice hockey, in the shivering cold on an ice-pond behind St. Anne’s Catholic School, London, Ontario, in the 1960s. As his hockey skills were being developed and fine-tuned, a famous NHL Toronto Maple Leafs legend, scout and retired goaltender, Turk Broda, had witnessed/ observed Jim playing in a Semi-Professional Seniors league at 15 years of age, setting the stage for “A Man For The People” article by Don Bloom.

As a young Missionary, being coined in the 1970’s as “A Man For The People – Jim Steele”, known simply as Fr. James, had his magical, mystical journey/ enlightenment of many Spiritual experiences created, formalized and molded, just as the song “100 lbs. of clay” by Gene McDaniel’s, or better yet, as it is Biblically written, the LORD thy GOD declares “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand” (Jer.18:6), became the reality of this young Missionary!!!

Don Bloom wrote: “A Man For The People – FOR A GUY only two dozen years old, Canadian born Jim Steele, the unmasked goalie of the California Western Hockey League leading Rebels, is worldly. Because of his penchant for financial success, a non-denominational, self-help program eventually will benefit underprivileged people throughout the globe.” JIM LEARNED early in life how to take care of himself….. “When…13, …left home in Ontario and hitch-hiked to Kirkland Lake, …..stuck in a town at midnight, so …asked to sleep in the jail….Three years later, after…..been drafted by the Black Hawks [and] played junior hockey for St. Catherine’s [Black Hawks].”

We’re going to market missionary products from the Third World countries and American Indian goods... WE WANT TO support as many missions…..underprivileged people [as we can]….to help them build incentives in themselves by making items for distribution”. Just as Jesus taught them “Throw your net… Bring some of the fish you have just caught” (John 21:4,10). “Our goal is an international boutique, contacting villages in places like the Philippines, Bangladesh, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia, Peru, Korea & Taiwan. Instead of them selling their goods cheaply to ports we want them to receive a fair return for their work.”

“We have priests, ministers and chaplains on our board of directors – to work on selling handicrafts, woodwork and macrame’ at a minimum profit so people will receive more commission.”

JIM, WHO has received approximately 300 letters from various missionary societies, has been a key figure in the Rebels’ 14-5-2 overall record and a 10-2-2 league mark. With Jim at the net the Rebels are 9-2-1, thanks to his two shutouts and weekend wins over Stockton and Twin Cities for a seven-point advantage in the standings.

 A SPECIAL THANKS to Oblate Bishop Gerard Mongeau (OMI), over-seer of the Empire Province of Cotabato & Sulu, Philippines, 1970s & 80s, which included Notre Dame Schools & Foundation (handicraft Coop: Series of Lupes-Abaca, Buri Lace & Balabac Placemats; assorted coasters, hot pads, floor-mats, folders, fans & handbags – working in tandem with Filipino Government’s Cottage Industry); Notre Dame Village, housing 5,000+ homes made from concrete block within a compound/community for Coop workers,  as Fr. James’ Spiritual Fulfillment came from Bishop Mongeau’s guidance & innovative social action projects.

Also, THANKS to Jesuit Missionary Fr. James Reuter (SJ), whose love for the Philippines & Filipinos was legendary, known for his work in academe & media, publishing the Jesuits Missionary Newspaper in Manila, and was awarded Outstanding Service Award by Pope John Paul II in 1981, as well as, the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism in 1989. A support letter from Fr. Reuter, Fr. James, 1977, helped in the process of coordinating  and organizing various efforts, including missionary activities that the Jesuits were involved in amongst the Lepers in a Leprosy Colony on Cebu Island. The Jesuits (i.e., also known as the Society of Jesus) were fantastic caregivers to the Lepers, following in Jesus’ footsteps (Matt.8:1-4), teaching them spiritually & self-sustainability by means of various handicrafts, re: wooden artifacts, woven rattan-baskets & macrame’ items, AMEN!

Fr. James has been shown a tremendous amount of LOVE from ALL World Faith Groups (WFGs) over the years, becoming synonymous/tantamount with coining this term  “World Faith Groups (WFGs),” going above & beyond the Governments use of Faith-Based Groups/Organizations, which doesn’t clearly define ALL WFGs beliefs, such as Buddhism. This has earned Fr. James his tremendous stature & affection within various communities & WFGs, and going way beyond his numerous degrees, licenses, certificates, achievements, accolades, accomplishments and awards, such as the recent 2018 Certificate: “United States President’s Volunteer Service Award – Fr. James Steele – GOLD, by the Corp. for National & Community Service in recognition & appreciation for…commitment to strengthen our nation & communities through volunteer service…Congratulations on receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank you for your service to your fellow Americans and those most in need. Through your dedicated service, you have ensured the continuation of America’s unparalleled commitment to improving the lives of others.